He looked at my clothes, and laughed a little, and said that of course, in cases of absolute destitution he sometimes felt compelled to come to the help of his fellow-countrymen.

I told him that I knew the world, and was willing to undertake work of any sort.

He answered that such cases were usually looked after at the consulate, and advised me to go there.

But I didn't give him up, at once.

I told him I was resourceful, and experienced, and might undertake even minor official tasks for him, until I had heard from my husband.